Affordable homes to be built on former Oldham mill site

Proposals to redevelop a former spinning mill site in Oldham and build 98 affordable homes have been given the green light by the local council.

The £14m Maple Mill project is expected to directly create more than 60 jobs during the building of the flats, maisonettes and houses. All the homes will be available either through affordable rent or shared ownership.

Planning and development consultancy Lichfields, on behalf of MCI Developments, secured planning0 to develop the 4.6-acre brownfield site in Hathershaw, off Cardwell Street. There were no objections, and the project was recommended for approval which was unanimously supported by councillors.

The derelict site was largely cleared following arson attacks in 2009 and 2016. Prior to this, the site had not been in operation for more than 10 years.

Frances Lennon, planner at Lichfields, said: “This development represents a significant contribution to affordable housing and supports the council’s ambitious overall housing delivery strategy. It will also bring an unsightly, vacant brownfield site back into use.

“It’s in a really sustainable location, surrounded by mainly residential properties with good transport links nearby as well as being within easy walking distance to a range of facilities and services.”

All houses have been designed with spacious rear gardens, along with parking. Careful consideration has been given to the landscape design of the site.

The proposals include tree-lined streets and planting to the front of the homes. Tree planting is proposed on the entrance of the site.

MCI Developments is working with Great Places Housing Group to deliver the affordable housing.

Alex Wood, regional managing director at MCI Developments, said: “Our aim for the development is to breathe new life into the brownfield land which has been left vacant for many years and transform the site into a desirable place to live.

“All the homes will be affordable, ensuring the development is a major social benefit to the community in Hathershaw, and we will ensure that all the homes will be energy efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Clearance work on the site is set to start soon and completion of the site is then expected to take place within two-and-half years.